Asthma is a common condition that affects the respiratory system and makes it harder for children to breathe. When a child has asthma, the airways in the lungs become irritated and narrow because of inflammation and swelling. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
With the right treatment, many children with asthma can stay active, sleep better, and participate in school and sports. "I'm often asked if kids with asthma can live normal lives," says Ricardo J. Chapa, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Dripping Springs. "The short answer is yes! The key is to have an asthma management plan in place with the help of your pediatrician."
How asthma is diagnosed
Diagnosing asthma in children usually starts with a detailed conversation about symptoms, family history, and possible triggers in the child's environment. Your pediatrician or advanced practice clinician (APC) may ask questions about coughing at night, wheezing during exercise, or symptoms that appear during allergy season.
The doctor or APC will also perform a physical exam and may recommend breathing tests, especially for older children. Because allergies and asthma are often connected, some children may also be referred to an allergy and asthma specialist for additional testing.
Common asthma triggers to watch for
Asthma can flare up when children are exposed to certain triggers. These may include:
- Pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
- Smoke or strong odors
- Cold air or weather changes
- Exercise
- Respiratory infections like colds or the flu
- Stress or strong emotions
Understanding these triggers may help reduce the chance of an asthma attack.
How doctors treat asthma in children
Asthma care focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Your pediatrician may recommend medications depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms. These medications come in two main categories:
- Controller medications: Taken daily to prevent inflammation, are the first-line and most effective treatment. Children with ongoing symptoms may need these medicines that often include an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to help lower inflammation in the lungs, reduce airway irritation, and improve breathing over time.
- Reliever (rescue) medications: Fast-acting bronchodilators (such as albuterol) are used to open airways quickly during a sudden flare-up or before exercise. Many children use a quick-relief inhaler during breathing problems for fast relief.
Note that both categories of medication can be administered with a nebulizer, which is often preferred for children under four.
Allergy and asthma care often work together
Because allergies can make asthma worse, treating allergies is often an important part of asthma management. At ARC, your pediatrician might refer your child to an ARC Allergy and Asthma specialist if symptoms are difficult to control or if allergies are suspected.
Specialists may recommend allergy testing, changes in the home environment, or additional treatments like allergy shots or drops (immunotherapy) to help reduce allergic reactions over time. Allergy shots or drops can help relieve allergy symptoms by building the body's tolerance to allergens, and may help prevent the development of asthma.
A long-term plan can help children stay healthy
Parents should know the warning signs of an asthma attack, including:
- Mild, persistent coughing (especially at night or early morning)
- Cold-like symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)
- Mild wheezing when breathing out
- Fatigue, crankiness, or sudden restlessness
- Itchy or watery eyes and headaches
Early treatment can help prevent emergencies and keep children feeling their best.
"Asthma is usually a long-term condition, but many children do very well with the right care," says Nikki G. Patel, MD, Allergy and Asthma specialist at ARC Center Street in Kyle and ARC Dripping Springs. "You can help keep asthma under control by following your child's asthma action plan, giving medications as prescribed, keeping an eye on symptoms, and staying in close touch with your pediatrician, APC, or allergy/asthma specialist."
About ARC Pediatrics
At ARC Pediatrics, our pediatricians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) treat all issues affecting infants, children, and adolescents. This can include treating minor illnesses and ongoing health issues, talking to parents about school or behavioral problems, seeing kids for well-child checkups, and administering childhood vaccinations and immunizations.
For more specialized care, ARC specialists in allergy and asthma, audiology, dermatology, ENT (ear, nose & throat), orthopedics, podiatry, and sports and musculoskeletal medicine care for infants and children of various ages. Pediatric and specialty care teams work closely with each other and with our families to coordinate care. Together, we emphasize prevention, evidence-based treatment, and building long-term relationships.
New to ARC? Sign up for an ARC Pediatric Meet & Greet to help you choose the physician or APC who will partner with you and support the growth and development of your child.
Call today to schedule an appointment
Dr. Chapa is accepting new patients, from newborns to 18 years of age. To make an appointment with Dr. Chapa, book online or in ARC MyChart.